NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- Unlike most years, this election there are numerous local races, with even more candidates on the ballot campaigning for every eligible vote.
The biggest race, by far, this cycle is New York City’s mayoral one; however, across all five Borough Presidents are also being decided. In the case of the Bronx, Ruben Diaz Jr.’s second term is up. Unable to run for a third, a predecessor must be chosen.
Democrat Vanessa L. Gibson fended off her Republican challenger, Janelle M. King, and Conservative Samuel Ravelo, to secure her victory as borough president.
CLICK HERE for full New York Election results.
In case you’re unsure who to cast a vote for or where each candidate stands on local issues, we’ve created a guide to help you out.
TOP 3 ISSUES:
1. Equitable COVID-19 recovery
2. Affordable housing
3. Sustainable employment
Vanessa L. Gibson is a life-long New Yorker that has been passionate about politics - and especially serving the people of the Bronx - for the last 20 years. A former member of the New York State Assembly and a current member of the New York City Council, Gibson has dealt with issues in criminal justice reform and education. She even helped pass the Student Safety Act in 2014, an act which married the importance of the two and improved reporting requirements for student arrests, summons, suspensions, and the frequency in which EMS are called by public schools.
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With the assistance of current Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo, she led the creation of the Mayor’s Office to Prevent Gun Violence. Most recently, Speaker Corey Johnson named Gibson the chair of the brand new Subcommittee on Capital, which would oversee the city’s ten-year fiscal plans and analyze if/how spending can be done more efficiently.
IN HER OWN WORDS:
“I am Vanessa L. Gibson, Democratic Nominee for Bronx Borough President. I’ve had the honor to serve as a Council Member and Assembly Member working on your behalf. We need a champion to lead our Borough to ensure an equitable COVID-19 recovery, create jobs, access to affordable housing and quality healthcare. On Tuesday, November 2nd, I hope I can count on your support to serve as your next Bronx Borough President. Thank You.”
TOP 3 ISSUES:
1. Public Safety
2. Education
3. Housing
Born in the Dominican Republic, Samuel Ravelo and his family immigrated to the United States when he was younger. Shortly after receiving his Certificate of Permanent Residence, he enlisted in the United States Navy. When returned from his tour of duty, he transitioned to service of a different kind as a member of the NYPD.
n his 25 years of service as an officer - and eventual lieutenant - Ravelo witnessed the city’s epidemics of gun, drugs, and poverty firsthand. Despite no prior public office experience, he vowed to spend his remaining days doing whatever he could to help end those outbreaks not just for the Bronx, but for the entire city.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
“I am an independent Democrat running in the Conservative line. As a lifelong Bronxite, father, former police officer and little league coach, I vow to restore safety to our communities that has been lost by the poor policies of career politicians. The Bronx First is the motto of our campaign as we come back from the worst pandemic in our lifetime.”
We reached out to Republican Janelle M. King for information about her campaign, as there is currently nothing about it listed on the city's election site. She did not respond.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 2nd.
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